Hardeeville names new interim city manager

Hardeeville City Council approved Rose Dobson-Elliott as its new interim city manager Thursday.

Dobson-Elliott, who currently lives in Brunson, most recently worked as Bamberg County administrator. She also has worked as a Jasper County deputy administrator, Hampton County administrator and Yemassee economic development specialist.

“She has quite a bit of experience,” City Council member Mike Sweeney said. “I would say she has about 20 years with Hampton, Bamberg and Jasper counties. She knows the job and I think she’ll do well.”

Sweeney said council met Dobson-Elliott last week and she will start work in Hardeeville this week.

Dobson-Elliott replaces Tom Johnson, who was named interim city manager when Bob Nanni resigned from the full-time position Feb. 6. Johnson also works as the city attorney and as a Jasper County councilman.

City officials have said the search for a permanent city manager could take about six months.

Dobson-Elliott has a bachelor’s degree in science and business administration from the University of South Carolina. She has had professional training in business development, finance and government.

“I’m pleased that the interim city manager position is in the hands of someone who has the appropriate education, background and skill set,” Johnson said.

Johnson said Dobson-Elliott’s will be paid based on a $80,000 a year salary. If she remains interim city manager for six months, she will be paid $40,000. Her tenure officially begins Saturday.

Nanni, Hardeeville’s fifth city manager since 2008, was hired in November 2011. He replaced Carey Smith, Hardeeville’s interim manager, after Ted Felder resigned.

Nanni earned an annual salary of $90,000.

“Council is also deciding to reassess what to offer the permanent city manager in the future,” Johnson said. “They’re going to decide whether to make it the same as Mr. Nanni’s, less, or theoretically, more.”